Perth Voice Interactive

MT HAWTHORN residents are gathering a petition to oppose a small bar planned for the ground floor of their apartments block.

Paul Parin is keen to convert his Red Dust photographic gallery, at the foot of St Elmo, into a bar for arty types.

Planning rules allow for a cafe but residents say the building is so poorly insulated they can hear neighbours switch lights on and off through the walls.

Annie O’Callaghan says neighbours can also hear each other being “intimate”.

“Putting a small eatery or bar into that area is going to be a bit of a problem, as there will be noise of up to 72 customers at a time, you will have staff on top of that.”

Mr Parin promises to install top-notch acoustic insulation to keep things quiet for the neighbours and because he’s aiming for a classy, quiet joint where patrons can enjoy a glass of wine while discussing artworks.

‘We want to keep the whole thing quiet and ambient, it’s the kind of place where you come for a quiet conversation.”

Resident Michael Gismondi’s unit has a cavity wall adjoining the proposed bar, and he says no amount of acoustic treatment will stop noise vibrating through it. He also fears patrons sucking on cigarettes outside will result in both smoke and drunken conversations drifting up to his balcony.

Residents are also concerned there’s no room for extra bins, and emptying empty bottles and broken glass will be a migraine waiting to happen.

Troy Clarke recently moved in to the complex. With two small kids in tow he says he wouldn’t have chosen the area if he knew a small bar was on the way.

Mr Gismondi says if Vincent council wants to encourage high-density development along major roads, it must ensure residences are liveable and attractive, and not permit noisy, small bars that chase buyers away.

Council officers have recommended approval as the bar ticks nearly all the planning boxes, save a lack of parking (which Mr Parin must pay $20,160 cash-in-lieu to make up for) and a lack of bike racks.

It’ll go back to council sometime in August, having been deferred once because of lacklustre community consultation that described it as a change of use to “eating house” rather than a bar.

Even if approved it’ll have to pass an acoustics test before getting a building licence, then the state’s racing, gaming and liquor department has the final say on a licence.

by DAVID BELL